Which Rival Acoustics for 2 way

[pliedtka]

I'm considering new build to replace my OK (revelation it isn't) SB17NRXC 4ohm-29RDNC, rather complex 2k LR4 and would appreciate some input from people who have done something with Rival R176 midwoofers or heard them against other midwoofers. From the current production 3 cones are available and I'm steering towards the pulp-carbon cone used by Ben (Wolf) and Javad (very low x-o point) - both presented at InDIYana, or woven Kevlar. Basically I'm after more civilized sound than NRXC can make, especially looking for more speed, details and resolution. The coated paper cone looks very smooth and x-o friendly, so yes it might be also a candidate. Rivals seem like a very well made product and not that much more money if purchased from GOWA. The other candidates maybe Seas ER18, ??? Tweeter maybe some SB (Satori) I kind of like the ring dome presentation, maybe Scan HDS for extra spice - something that doesn't break the bank and will do 2k x-o.
Well, the design has to pass Ottawa DIY meeting listening session and I have a little over half a year.

 

[wolf_teeth]

I found it relatively easy to use, but myself and isaeagle both feel that 3rd order electrical is where Rivals perform better. My Fenrir is a very 'smooth' sounding design, and not typical of my designs as I typically prefer metal domes. They are a very flat measuring design, but I'm not certain they are a highly resolving pair being they are so smooth tonally. Would I use them again? Sure, but I would likely use a different tweeter.

Later,
Wolf

 

[pliedtka]

Thanks a lot Ben. I read whatever I could find about the Rivals. It's either Rival (to bad the Alu and sandwich cone are gone, I should wake up earlier when they were available), or some Seas, ??? Don't know what the SB Alu cone is like (some saying it might be prone to one note bass), but from the looks the Rivals build quality is much better. So, 3rd order electrical X-O, something similar to LR4 acoustic. The carbon-pulp has somewhat similar rasing response to 17NRXC or Satori around 3.5k, but might be a bit easier to deal with. Thanks again Wolf

 

[davecandialex]

Rival and others

I have a few different 6 1/2 inch midwoofers including the Rival pulp unit.
The others are 18 sound 6ND-430, Peerless HDS poly, Peerless Exclusive,
and something different Seas FEA18RCZ fullrange (used as a mid bass it has
lower moving mass and hi Qms compared to the rest).

I have listened to these in OB and a 2 way. All very non scientific, no A vs B,
just my impressions. (All measured and equalized xovered with mini Sharc)
The exclusive and Rival are the best of the bunch for me. The Rival is very
smooth very long term listenable. In contrast I found the Seas to be very
annoying.

 

[pliedtka]

Thanks, I will check what the Seas frq is like and other graphs - most likely some resonances that drive people crazy. Well, looks like the resonance in 2.7k area and up might the culprit. On the other hand every time I see tweezer on the full range driver, I have mixed emotions on how it will sound. I think ER18RNX, CA18RNX are more listenable. For me now the only question is which Rival to go for. And I have one extra project to tackle with Kravchenko Audio KA7 Alu long throw underhunged voice coil (25mm p-p) - needs good tweeter to mate around 1.5kHz. Very different driver with ton of excursion and bass.